Eskom optimistic plan to boost coal stocks will prevent power outages

The continuing coal supply shortage at State-owned power utility Eskom Holdings is considered a crisis by industry commentators. Although conceding that it “is not an ideal situation”, Eskom has assured Parliament that it is implementing a recovery plan to prevent any unplanned capacity loss. Eskom has indicated that, currently, 10 of its 15 coal-fired power stations have less than 20 days of coal stock levels available to them. Of the ten understocked stations, four –Arnot, Hendrina, Kriel and Tutuka, all in Mpumalanga – have coal stock levels of less than ten days, says Eskom CEO Phakamani Hadebe.